Basic Chord Structures and Progressions – Basic Music Theory

Basic Chord Structures:

1. Triads: Triads are three-note chords consisting of a root note, a third (either major or minor), and a fifth. The most common types of triads are:

   • Major Triad: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth (e.g., C major: C-E-G)
   • Minor Triad: Root, Minor Third, Perfect Fifth (e.g., A minor: A-C-E)

2. Seventh Chords: Seventh chords are four-note chords that include a triad plus an additional seventh note. Common types include:

   • Major Seventh Chord: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Major Seventh (e.g., Cmaj7: C-E-G-B)
   • Dominant Seventh Chord: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh (e.g., G7: G-B-D-F)
   • Minor Seventh Chord: Root, Minor Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh (e.g., Am7: A-C-E-G)

3. Extended Chords: Extended chords go beyond the seventh and can include ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth notes, though these are often simplified. For example, a ninth chord might be played as a seventh chord with an added ninth.

Basic Chord Progressions:

1. I-IV-V Progression: This is one of the most common chord progressions in Western music. It’s based on the first (I), fourth (IV), and fifth (V) degrees of a major scale. For example, in the key of C major, the I-IV-V progression would be C-F-G.

2. ii-V-I Progression: This progression is commonly used in jazz and other genres. It involves the second (ii), fifth (V), and first (I) degrees of a major scale. For example, in the key of C major, the ii-V-I progression would be Dm7-G7-Cmaj7.

3. I-IV-V-I Progression: An extension of the I-IV-V progression, this adds a return to the tonic (I) chord at the end, creating a sense of resolution. For example, in the key of C major, it would be C-F-G-C.

4. Minor Chord Progressions: Progressions using minor chords are common in various musical styles, such as the i-iv-v progression in a minor key. In the key of A minor, it would be Am-Dm-Em.

5. Blues Progression: In blues music, a common progression is the 12-bar blues, which often uses dominant seventh chords. It follows a specific pattern, typically using the I, IV, and V chords, such as C7-F7-G7.

6. Circle of Fifths Progression: The circle of fifths is a useful tool for creating chord progressions. It involves moving through chords that are a fifth apart. For example, in the key of C major, you might progress to G major, then D major, and so on.